PCTO Calls for Policy Flexibility Amid Energy Emergency to Protect Telecom Stability and Connectivity

 The Philippine Chamber of Telecommunication Operators (PCTO) has expressed serious concern over the impact of the ongoing national energy emergency on the country’s telecommunications sector, urging regulators to adopt a more measured and collaborative approach in implementing policies under the Konektadong Pinoy Act.

While the PCTO recognizes and supports the government’s goal of expanding digital connectivity nationwide, it emphasized that the current energy crisis presents extraordinary operational challenges for telecom providers. As such, the organization is appealing for extended timelines and more structured consultations regarding key policy components, including the access list, the dig once policy, infrastructure sharing, cybersecurity requirements, and the Spectrum Management and Policy Framework (SMPF).

According to the group, compressed consultation schedules risk limiting meaningful participation from industry stakeholders who are currently managing increased operational pressures. Extending and properly spacing consultations would allow telecom operators to provide more comprehensive and technically sound feedback that benefits both regulators and the public.

The PCTO also highlighted the significant internal challenges faced by telecommunications companies as a result of the energy emergency. Rising fuel and electricity costs, supply chain disruptions, workforce limitations, and increased demand for reliable connectivity services have placed considerable strain on operators. These pressures, the group noted, should be taken into account when regulators establish compliance timelines and implementation requirements under the new law.

Another key concern raised by the PCTO involves the timeline for the development of the Spectrum Management and Policy Framework. The organization is urging government agencies to fully utilize the one-year period provided by the law to ensure that the framework is developed through careful consultation and technical evaluation. Rushing this process, it warned, could lead to policies that are misaligned with industry realities and long-term infrastructure needs.

In light of these challenges, the PCTO is also calling for a temporary moratorium on the release of major policy directives affecting the telecommunications industry during the duration of the energy crisis. The group emphasized that maintaining stability in the telecom sector is essential not only for industry sustainability but also for national resilience.

Reliable connectivity remains a critical service, especially during times of crisis. The PCTO reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government agencies to support the shared objective of strengthening digital connectivity across the Philippines while ensuring that policies remain practical, inclusive, and responsive to current national conditions.

COLORFUL Launches iGame Z890 ULTRA Series Motherboards with Next-Gen Performance and Zero-Cable Innovation

Shenzhen, China — COLORFUL Technology Company Limited has officially introduced its latest iGame Z890 ULTRA Series motherboards, designed to support the new Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus processors. The newly announced iGame Z890 ULTRA-S W and iGame Z890M ULTRA Z target gamers, creators, and PC enthusiasts seeking powerful performance combined with modern aesthetics and improved system-building convenience.

Both motherboards feature a distinctive all-white design that complements COLORFUL’s popular iGame ULTRA W Series graphics cards, offering builders a cohesive visual platform for high-end PC setups. Alongside their appearance, the boards deliver strong memory performance, advanced cooling upgrades, and streamlined installation features aimed at improving both usability and reliability.

The iGame Z890 ULTRA-S W continues the signature styling of the Ultra lineup with a layered logo structure and hip-hop-inspired design accents. A customizable ARGB nameplate adds personalization options, while an upgraded cooling system with integrated heat pipe and airflow channel improves thermal efficiency. The motherboard also introduces next-generation quick-release mechanisms for GPU and M.2 heatsinks, making component installation faster and cleaner.

Performance remains a key highlight of the ULTRA-S W model. It features a robust 20+1+1+1 phase power delivery system capable of supporting demanding processors such as the Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus. With support for DDR5 memory speeds exceeding 9600 MHz and capacities up to 256GB, the board is well-suited for advanced gaming environments, creative workloads, and local AI deployment scenarios.

Meanwhile, the iGame Z890M ULTRA Z marks a major innovation as COLORFUL’s first Zero-Cable motherboard. It replaces traditional 24-pin and 8+8-pin power connectors with a new direct-plug 50-pin rear power interface, allowing compatible power supplies to connect directly without cables. This design significantly improves cable management while enabling cleaner internal layouts.

The ULTRA Z model also integrates front-panel USB, audio, and power interfaces into a single unified connector, further simplifying installation. Built with a 14+1+1+1 phase DrMOS power system and supporting up to 192GB of DDR5 memory, it delivers strong performance for gaming and productivity workloads. Additional features include PCIe 5.0 M.2 storage support, WiFi 7 connectivity, and multiple high-speed USB ports.

Together, the new iGame Z890 ULTRA Series motherboards reflect COLORFUL’s continued focus on performance innovation, user-friendly design, and visually distinctive PC hardware solutions for modern enthusiasts.

Make Summer Brighter: Easy Family Fun Ideas with Anko’s Must-Have Seasonal Essentials

Manila, Philippines — The countdown to summer has officially begun. With no alarms to beat and no homework to finish, families are getting ready for sunny days filled with swim trips, picnic snacks, and backyard games that turn ordinary afternoons into memorable bonding moments.

To welcome the season, Australian home and lifestyle brand Anko introduces a fresh collection of affordable and practical summer essentials designed for the way Filipino families enjoy their time together. Whether heading out for a quick adventure or staying close to home, these easy summer ideas can help make every day more exciting.

A spontaneous swim day at the beach or pool is one of the simplest ways to beat the heat. Keeping kids safe and confident in the water is key, and a reliable Swim Vest supports young swimmers while they build confidence. Families can also turn pool time into playtime with the 4-Pack of Dive Fish for fun underwater treasure hunts. After a splash session, Hooded Cotton Beach Towels help kids dry off comfortably, while a Turkish Cotton Beach Towel creates a relaxing space for parents to unwind. Snack breaks stay neat and colorful with Pastel Tumblers, Plates, and Bowls, all easily carried in the waterproof EVA Tote Bag.

For families who prefer something more laid-back, a shady park picnic is another great way to spend the afternoon. The 2-in-1 Bag and Mat makes setup quick and convenient, while the Picnic Table keeps snacks steady even on grass. Cold drinks stay refreshing with the Retro Cooler, and Large Food Containers help keep meals organized. Parents can relax on the Blue Stripe Chair as kids stay active with the Catch Ball Set. Even pets can join the outing with the Toy Novelty Cooling Set.

Fun does not always require travel. Backyards can easily become mini adventure zones with simple play items like the Rainbow Twirl Ribbon, Foam Glider, and Aerospace Power Rocket. Friendly competitions using the Archery Set or Skip Ball keep children engaged, while younger kids enjoy imaginative play with the Truck Adventure Set. A sweet ending with the Ice Cream Bowl and Spoon Set makes playtime even more special.

With Anko’s summer collection, families can create joyful moments through everyday experiences. These seasonal essentials are available for a limited time at Anko stores in Ayala Malls Glorietta 2, TriNoma, Alabang Town Center, Manila Bay, and Feliz.

Palo Alto Networks Introduces the Most Secure Workspace for Small Business

Manila, Philippines – Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), the global cybersecurity leader, today announced the launch of Prisma Browser for Business, the most secure workspace for small businesses. This new offering enables small business owners to easily configure and manage the apps and AI tools their business relies on, while allowing employees to work securely from any device, anywhere. Prisma Browser for Business also protects against phishing, ransomware, and fraud threats and provides built-in AI controls to prevent business information from ending up in the wrong hands.

Today, small businesses depend on an average of 36 applications running in the browser, which is where most work gets done. However, with 95% of companies experiencing a security incident originating in the browser, the need for a secure workspace has never been greater. At the same time, employees are rapidly adopting AI, making it harder than ever for small businesses to tame the workspace chaos, keep their business protected, and prevent unintended AI actions.

Anupam Upadhyaya, SVP of Product, Palo Alto Networks

“For most small businesses, the browser is now the office. It’s where you interact with customers, manage your books, and use new AI tools to help grow your business. But standard browsers weren't built to stop modern cyberattacks or prevent AI data leaks. We’re providing small businesses with the same protection used by the world's largest enterprises, but in an easy-to-use, simple to manage workspace with flexible and accessible pricing for any small business.”

Prisma Browser for Business is a secure workspace designed for small businesses to:

• Streamline the workspace: Easily configure and manage the apps and AI tools teams rely on to work securely from any device, anywhere.
• Protect the business: Block AI-powered phishing, ransomware, and fraud threats before they harm the business.
• Control AI actions: Enable teams to leverage AI for productivity, while preventing business information from ending up in the wrong hands.

Anurag Agrawal, Analyst, TechAisle

“Palo Alto Networks is addressing a critical gap in the market by providing small businesses with a secure workspace that enables employees to get more done from any device, and any location while protecting against cyberattacks and unintended AI actions.”

As the global leader in cybersecurity, Palo Alto Networks processes billions of threats daily for the world’s largest companies. Now that same enterprise-grade protection is made available in a secure workspace designed for small businesses.

Prisma Browser for Business is available today in the United States. Start the 30-day free trial and in just four clicks, enable teams to work seamlessly while keeping the business protected and AI under control.

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Enchanted Kingdom Celebrates the Return of Its Legendary Wheel of Fate With Magic and Nostalgia

Enchanted Kingdom, the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, proudly celebrated the official return of its legendary ride, the Wheel of Fate, as the highlight of The Legend Shines Again campaign last March 21.

Following the theme park’s successful 30th anniversary celebration last October, its signature ferris wheel ride took a four-month break to make way for enhancements, which include a fresh thematic look, smoother ride experience, and updated ride system technology.

This is part of EK’s ongoing revitalization of its existing facilities and iconic rides to ensure that their longevity and legacy can be sustained for the years to come.

Regarded as one of the longest-standing rides of its kind in the country, the Wheel of Fate has been bringing magical experiences to countless Filipinos since EK opened its gates in 1995. It eventually grew into a crowd favorite among its multigenerational guests, especially with families and friends.

This towering ride lifts guests 130 feet above the ground, showcasing the breathtaking view of its home city, Santa Rosa. Aside from this, it also elevates the EK experience by illuminating the whole park, especially at night.

The Legend Shines Again! Wheel of Fate Relaunch

The official relaunch of the Wheel of Fate on March 21 featured spectacular performances, with EK’s very own P-pop girl group SMS launching their new song, The Legend Shines Again, and OPM band The Bloomfields serenading the crowd with timeless hits.

The cast of Viva One’s My Husband is a Mafia Boss also made a special appearance to unveil the show’s photobooth installation. Meanwhile, the youth-led organization Lion City Youth Inc. surprised parkgoers with a teaser for Hello Santa Rosa, their flagship tourism program launching this year in collaboration with EK.

The ride’s relaunching ceremony was graced by Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas, along with EK Chief Operating Officer Cynthia R. Mamon, Ph.D., and Head of Integrated Marketing Nico R. Mamon.

Serving as the festivities’ enchanting finale were the Sky Wizardry Fireworks Display and a flash mob led by the EK Storyverse characters.

The Wheel of Fate is now available for guests to enjoy during the Park’s operational days from 12PM to 8PM, alongside EK’s other attractions and experiences.

For more information and updates on the Wheel of Fate and EK’s other events and offerings, visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and EK’s official social media accounts @enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and TikTok, and @ek_philippines for Instagram.